Don Julio celebrates Day of the Dead at the 2024 Festival de Mexico

What does Mexico have in common with South Africa? A deep-rooted love for celebration and a rich cultural heritage. In this spirit, Don Julio Tequila has partnered with this year’s Festival de México to bring a dedicated Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) experience. As the world’s leading luxury tequila, the brand brings the spirit of Mexico’s most beloved holiday to life through a collaboration with rising-star South African stylist, Obakeng Rantlhane.

The Day of the Dead is a vibrant and significant day of celebration in Mexico that honours loved ones who have passed on. To highlight this celebration, a central tradition is the creation of an ofrenda, styled by Rantlhane. He adorns it with items that capture nuances from both countries, celebrating this shared cultural heritage.

Known for his exceptional visionary approach and ability to blend traditional and modern elements, Obakeng’s unique interpretation of the ofrenda brings a fresh perspective to the rich tradition of Day of the Dead. His designs, incorporating vivid textiles, marigolds, and symbolic decorative elements, aim to bring the holiday to life in a way that resonates with both Mexican customs and South African aesthetics.

Rantlhane says, “I am truly excited to style the ofrenda in a way that honours this significant holiday and adds a modern contemporary twist. My goal was to create a visually striking, yet respectful cultural piece that cultivates the essence of the Día de los Muertos celebration.”

Celebrating the Heart of Mexican Culture

Don Julio Tequila is more than just a luxury spirit; it’s a gateway to Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. By partnering with Festival de México to honour Día de los Muertos, the brand is celebrating a tradition that is deeply personal and universally resonant. This collaboration reflects Don Julio’s commitment to embracing and sharing the richness of Mexican culture in ways that inspire and connect with people across Africa, says Ifeoma Agu, Group Head of Culture, Influencer & Advocacy at Diageo Southern, West & Central Africa.

The Don Julio ofrenda will stand as a monumental tribute to Mexican culture, brought to life through a dynamic and immersive installation at Festival de México in Ostrich Farm, Cape Town. This unique activation will offer a local celebration with global cultural appeal, bringing the spirit of Día de los Muertos and the essence of Don Julio to life.

Theo Zulu, Senior Brand Manager of Don Julio South Africa, says, “Our partnership in the Festival de México is a celebration of Don Julio’s unwavering commitment to preserving and celebrating Mexican culture. Día de los Muertos is not just about honouring the past, it’s also about embracing the present and celebrating the future, and at Don Julio, we believe in celebrating legacy in everything we do.”

Festival de México – Honoring Mexican Culture

Taking place on November 2nd, 2024, Festival de México is South Africa’s highly anticipated cultural festival that celebrated the best of Mexican culture. With Don Julio joining the festival, it elevates the experience to new immersive heights with the extraordinary “larger than life” ofrenda activation. This unique addition allows festival goers to enjoy the festival with rich Mexican culture and a premium twist.

Ricardo da Costa, Festival Director says, “We are thrilled to have Don Julio for another year as a partner for the Festival de México. Their continuous support and presence not only add authenticity to our Día de los Muertos celebration, it also elevates the festival experience while blending Mexico’s rich history, modern, interactive, and authentic culture perfectly into our event.”

A Festive Cocktail: Don Julio Sunrise

In true Don Julio style, no celebration would be complete without a toast of its finest tequila. The brand’s featured cocktail at the festival, Don Julio Sunrise, will embody the essence of its premium artisanal tequila and the essence of Mexican culture offering the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. With its refreshing summer feel, Don Julio Sunrise is sure to be the ultimate balance for sun-soaked festivities that will invite festival-goers to raise a glass and celebrate with bold flavours and unforgettable moments.

Recipe Details

• Don Julio Blanco (50ml)
• Orange Juice (100ml)
• Cranberry Juice  (10ml)
• Orange twist or cherry
• Salt

The Don Julio Method:

• Mix Don Julio Blanco with orange juice.
• Rim high Ball Glass with Salt.
• Add Ice cubes to a glass.
• Add Cranberry juice to glass.
• Slowly pour tequila and orange juice mixture into the glass.
• Garnish with orange twist/cherry.